§ 21. Lieut. - Colonel ARCHER - SHEEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that serving soldiers recently reclassified for proficiency pay have been debarred in certain cases from receiving such proficiency pay owing to the fact that they do not reach the required standard of physical efficiency owing to wounds, etc., directly contracted on active service and entirely beyond their control; and whether he will direct that paragraph 686 of King's Regulations is to be interpreted so as to include all men who, whilst admittedly proficient in every other way, are temporarily classified in category B 2 or under?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONPhysical efficiency is one of the essential conditions governing the grant of proficiency pay, and I regret that no relaxation can be permitted.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEEMay I ask whether further consideration may not be given to this question, and surely it is very unfair to fine these soldiers in their pay for wounds and sickness which have been incurred in service?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am afraid I cannot give a further answer.